Illinois Woman Discovers Her Adopted Golden Retriever Has The Funniest Quirk She Never Expected

When most people picture a Golden Retriever, a certain image comes to mind. Maybe it’s a golden-coated dog racing across an open field, ears flying, tongue out, a tennis ball proudly clenched in its mouth.

Or perhaps it’s the social butterfly at the dog park, determined to greet every human and canine in sight with a tail wag so enthusiastic it shakes its whole body.

golden retriever in the house
Credit: TikTok

Golden Retrievers are known for their warmth, intelligence, and eagerness to please, the kind of dogs that seem to master new tricks almost instantly.

But as Kylie, a woman from Illinois, quickly discovered, not every Golden Retriever fits perfectly into that well-loved stereotype.

Her new pup, Oakley, is just as lovable as the breed’s reputation promises, just not in the way she ever expected.

golden retriever watching tv
Credit: TikTok

When Kylie first brought Oakley home, she expected long walks, endless games of fetch, and maybe some messy outdoor adventures. After all, Golden Retrievers are known for their energy. 

Oakley, however, had his own unique interests. Sure, he checked all the boxes when it came to appearance, long flowing coat, classic build, and that famously sweet temperament. 

But when it came to how he liked to spend his time? Let’s just say Oakley has traded in chasing tennis balls for a little screen time.

It turns out Oakley is a TV superfan. He doesn’t just casually glance at the screen now and then—he parks himself right in front of it, waiting for it to be turned on.

Sometimes, Kylie says, he even lets out a little growl if she’s taking too long. Once the TV is on, the rest of the world might as well disappear.

golden retriever watches disney
Credit: TikTok

Kylie captured Oakley’s funny quirk on TikTok, and the video took off. Viewers loved seeing this gentle Golden so fixated on the screen, and the comments started pouring in. One person wrote:

“My golden is the biggest iPad kid I know.”

The truth is, Oakley isn’t too picky about what’s on. He’ll happily watch Animal Planet, a random movie, or whatever series Kylie has on. 

But he does have one clear favorite—Disney. Whenever Oakley hears that familiar Disney intro, his tail goes wild and his excitement skyrockets. 

golden retriever happy in the car
Credit: TikTok

Whether it’s the music, the colorful animations, or just the sheer magic of Disney, it clearly has a special hold on him.

Of course, Oakley isn’t only about TV. He also loves spending time with Kylie outside of the living room. One of his absolute favorite outings is a trip for a Pup Cup. 

But here’s the twist—Oakley insists that Kylie hold his paw during the car ride there. Yes, this big, handsome dog needs his mom’s hand for comfort while he travels. It’s endearing, a little demanding, and completely Oakley.

What really seals the deal on his charm is something Kylie calls the “Oakley smirk.” It’s a little crooked smile that makes him look like he’s plotting something—like maybe grabbing the remote himself. 

happy golden retriever
Credit: TikTok

Whether it’s confidence, cheekiness, or just his natural charm, the smirk has become one of Oakley’s trademarks.

At the end of the day, Oakley may not be the typical Golden Retriever Kylie imagined when she adopted him. 

He’s not obsessed with endless runs or rough-and-tumble games of fetch. Instead, he’s happiest snuggled on the couch, soaking up cartoons, holding hands in the car, and flashing his signature grin.

Sometimes life surprises you with a pet who isn’t exactly what you pictured—but turns out to be even better. 

For Kylie, Oakley is that surprise. He’s a reminder that every dog has their own personality, their own quirks, and their own way of being the perfect companion. And for Oakley, that just happens to include Disney marathons and a lot of couch time.

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